Makinde Unveils ₦7.76 Billion Surveillance Aircraft to Tackle Kidnapping, Banditry and Illegal Mining in Oyo

Oyo State has taken a major step in strengthening its security architecture with the delivery of two advanced surveillance aircraft valued at ₦7.76 billion, as Governor Seyi Makinde unveiled the new assets at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.

The two Diamond DA42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were officially received on Tuesday and are expected to significantly enhance the state’s capacity to monitor criminal activities, gather real-time intelligence, and support security operations across Oyo and surrounding areas.

According to the state government, the aircraft are equipped with sophisticated surveillance technology capable of conducting aerial reconnaissance, tracking suspicious movements, monitoring forests and remote communities, and supporting rapid security responses.

Officials said the aircraft will play a critical role in combating kidnapping, cross-border crimes, illegal mining, and other security threats that have become increasingly prevalent across parts of the state.

Speaking during the official reception, Governor Makinde said the investment demonstrates his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through the deployment of modern security technology.

“We’re hitting the ground running,” the governor said, explaining that the surveillance aircraft would complement the efforts of security personnel already operating on the ground.

He noted that Oyo’s vast landmass, extensive forests, and border communities require continuous aerial monitoring, adding that the aircraft would provide timely intelligence capable of improving security operations and enabling faster responses to emerging threats.

The governor also disclosed that the Oyo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Air Force to operate the aircraft.

Under the partnership, Nigerian Air Force pilots ferried the aircraft from Lagos to Ibadan and will work alongside state security agencies to ensure the platforms become operational immediately.

The surveillance aircraft were approved for purchase by the Oyo State Executive Council in mid-2025.

State officials explained that delivery took longer than initially anticipated because of the manufacturing and assembly process in China, where the aircraft were built.

After arriving in Nigeria earlier this month, the aircraft underwent final assembly, testing, and preparation at a Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being flown to Ibadan.

The acquisition comes amid renewed efforts by the Makinde administration to strengthen security following several high-profile incidents across the state.

Among the most significant was the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, an incident that attracted nationwide attention. The victims were eventually rescued in early July after spending approximately 56 days in captivity.

The state government believes enhanced aerial surveillance will improve intelligence gathering, help security agencies detect criminal hideouts more quickly, and support coordinated rescue operations when emergencies occur.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, described the arrival of the aircraft as a landmark development that would strengthen intelligence collection and improve the state’s rapid response capabilities.

He said the investment reflects the government’s determination to adopt proactive security measures rather than relying solely on conventional policing.

The acquisition has attracted praise from many Nigerians, with security analysts describing it as one of the most ambitious investments in state-level security infrastructure in recent years.

Supporters argue that the aircraft will provide valuable real-time intelligence, particularly in difficult-to-access forests and rural communities where criminal groups often operate.

However, the project has also generated debate over its cost.

Some commentators have questioned whether spending ₦7.76 billion on two manned surveillance aircraft is the most cost-effective option at a time of economic hardship, suggesting that advanced surveillance drones could provide similar intelligence capabilities at a lower cost.

Despite the differing opinions, the Oyo State Government maintains that the aircraft will significantly improve security operations through closer collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other federal security agencies.

With the new surveillance platforms expected to commence operations immediately, residents and security stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the investment translates into improved intelligence gathering, faster emergency response, and a sustained reduction in criminal activities across Oyo State.

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